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One of 2016's largest projects is set to continue the high density infill between Yarra's Edge and the emerging Fishermans Bend Precinct.

Created by MGS Architects, the dual residential tower scheme's most striking feature is its multi-colured facade which is designed as a contemporary interpretation of the nearby shipping yards. Located at 13-33 Hartley Street on the perimeter of Docklands, the site is hard up against the West Gate Freeway and adjacent to the recently sold development site at <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85-93 Lorimer Street</a>.

13-33 Hartley Street will also enjoy frontage to the park which forms part of the permit approved 85-93 Lorimer Street, which was designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Kew-based entity Claric Ninety Nine Pty Ltd is the proponent behind the Hartley Street development.

<h2>13-33 Hartley Street Docklands application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_8.jpg?itok=bLZCMO4G" title="As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 6,713sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 37 and 40 level residential towers with the taller at 131.3 metres</li>
	<li>612 apartments: 202 x 1BR, 370 x 2BR, 26 x 3BR, 14 x 4BR</li>
	<li>3 retail tenancies totaling 255sqm and 700sqm of 'community' space</li>
	<li>Provision for 424 vehicles, 370 resident bicycles, 71 visitor bicycle spaces and 58 motorcycle spaces</li>
	<li>1,507sqm of communal facilities, including a lap pool, gym, yoga/kids play area, meeting room, cinema room, lounge areas and library</li>
	<li>Plot ratio: 12.29:1</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area: 82,568sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $200 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Acknowledging one's surrounds</h2>

<blockquote>
The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container terminal and has a very significant impact on the local landscape. Viewed from above neatly arranged rows of colourful containers from all parts of the world animate an otherwise dull industrial port.

It is this colour and texture that the building design references in the balcony balustrade treatment of the apartments at the upper and lower floors. Larger apartments are located at these floors where balconies are cantilevered in patterns and varied in colour to evoke the Port’s container landscape

The great Australian painter Jeffrey Smart was known for his stylised depictions of urban landscapes. He had a particular fascination with roads and road signs which he rendered with a stark reality and precision.

We have treated the car parking podium of the building as a canvas for an over scaled road sign. In this case the sign however is not read as a flat painted surface but as a series of projecting screens that morph into view on approach. The signage is directional and changes in accordance with the location of the observer.
<cite>Urban context report, MGS Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image47_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_3.jpg?itok=qs0DcvXo" title="A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Ins and Outs</h2>

Single bedroom dwellings range in size between 48-59sqm, with dual bedroom apartments spread over 67-125sqm. While three bedrooms range between 120-167sqm, MGS Architects have included 14 four bedroom apartments; somewhat of an oddity when considering the wider Melbourne apartment landscape.

These four bedroom apartments have an area of some 200sqm.

Every apartment is provided with a balcony that is located directly off the living area, with south facing dwellings afforded winter gardens that span the full width of the dwelling. It is worth noting that according to the submitted documents, 'Saddle Back’ bedrooms occurs in 2 of 12 apartments per typical floor on the west tower and in 2 of 9 apartments per typical floor on the east tower.

'Saddle Back’ apartments are a point of contention in the current Melbourne planning climate owing to the lack of direct access to natural light.

As part of the intended development, 912sqm of the site area will be seeded to infrastructure needs, with open space accounting for another 1,826sqm.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image48_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_5.jpg?itok=mf8QXFgm" title="Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure>When combining 13-33 Hartley Street's 612 apartments with those of 85-93 Lorimer Street and Mirvac's upcoming <a href="/buildings/voyager-docklands-103-south-wharf-drive-docklands-vic-3008">Voyager Tower</a>, there exists the potential for a further 1,868 apartments to be pumped into the sliver of Docklands land south of the Yarra River.

Potential future development sites that fall within this section of Docklands will be largely confined to a tract of land west of Hartley Street; beyond that adjoining areas fall under Fishermans Bend and its differing planning controls.

<h2>13-33 Hartley Street Docklands development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Claric Ninety-Nine Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Context Analysis: MGA Architects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Roberts Day</li>
	<li>Buffer Constraint Assessment: GHD</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport Assessment: Cardno</li>
	<li>Acoustic Report,: Renzo Tonin &amp; Associates</li>
	<li>Wind Report: Cermak, Peterka, Petersen</li>
	<li>Social and Community Infrastructure Assessment: ASR Research</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Environmentally Sustainable Design: IrwinConsult.</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

MGS create the shipping container skyscrapers

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Developer Riverlee is seeking to rework an approved commercial scheme within Docklands, in order to capitalise upon Melbourne's near rampant hotel sector.

The developer has released details regarding its intended project at 731-739 Flinders Street which encompasses the heritage Northbank Goods Shed. Under plans submitted this week, the approved plans for a commercial building straddling the goods shed will be dropped in favour of a mixed-use hotel and residential proposal.

Included in the new scheme are 180 hotel suites, which would further bolster the hotel pipeline along the Yarra. Four Points By Sheraton, PARKROYAL and Quest Newquay are at differing stages of development, with another hotel project at nearby Victoria Harbour also a possibility.

Opposite Northbank Goods Shed, Probuild are undertaking an expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre which incorporates the construction of a 331-room hotel tower.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/riv_northbank_v01_across_river1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverlee have chosen Fender Katsalidis for North Wharf. Image: Riverlee"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/riv_northbank_v01_across_river1.jpg?itok=xINjgmkw" title="Riverlee have chosen Fender Katsalidis for North Wharf. Image: Riverlee" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverlee have chosen Fender Katsalidis for North Wharf. Image: Riverlee</figcaption></figure>Riverlee have installed Fender Katsalidis as project architect, with the hotel supplementing 250 intended apartments.

In line with original plans, landscape architects Oculus have been retained and are tasked with creating a new 3,500sqm public park that Riverlee expects will act as the missing connector between Docklands and the Yarra River’s north bank. As part of the intended works the onsite heritage listed crane will also be brought up to scratch with a complete restoration planned.

Retail and event spaces are envisaged within the restored Goods Shed. Creating a new waterfront promenade will see the refurbishment of the area's wharf, while a pontoon is optioned with an eye toward waterfront activation.

Riverlee's change of use for the project is underpinned by the aforementioned expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the precinct playing host to a multitude of conferences and conventions. The subsequent undersupply of hotel suites has prompted the change of use; the state of the commercial leasing sector would have also been taken into consideration.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nw03_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The superseded scheme. Image: Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nw03_0.jpg?itok=_KBr7tUo" title="The superseded scheme. Image: Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The superseded scheme. Image: Oculus</figcaption></figure>The change of use is also expected to bring activity to the area around the clock, something that the 25,000sqm commercial scheme would have struggled to achieve.

How the intended public aspects of the building stack up relative to the initial scheme remain to be seen. With Oculus retained and Lovell Chen acting as Heritage Architects, the new scheme's public interface is difficult to judge based on the sole image released by Riverlee.

<blockquote>
Our plans include an extruded glass pavilion at the eastern end of the shed both to help preserve the heritage façade and hero it within the design, particularly at night when the façade will be lit from within the glass to create a beacon for night-time activity.

We’ve created a number of places to integrate and encourage interaction with these heritage elements, such as the former slipway which will be covered with glass inside the pavilion so people will be able to walk literally right on top of this unique piece of history
<cite>Karl Fender, managing principal architect, Fender Katsalidis</cite>
</blockquote>

What's established is the developer's existing work along the Yarra's north bank in the area. <a href="http://riverlee.com.au/projects/world-trade-centre">Riverlee refurbished more than 150 metres of water frontage</a> in the adjoining World Trade Centre complex, with the subsequent WTC Wharf retail zone completed during 2010.

Riverlee also initiated <a href="http://riverlee.com.au/projects/7-23-spencer-st">redevelopment of the former Melbourne Convention Centre</a> with the site now nearing demolition completion. In the interceding time, approval was obtained for a tri-towered residential complex onsite, with the site recently sold.
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A reborn North Wharf adds to Melbourne's swelling hotel numbers

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Two highly prominent locations are now free to host substantial residential buildings after receiving planning approval in recent days.

VCAT has green-lighted St Kilda's tallest development to date at 8-12 Punt Road while Darebin City Council were satisfied with the merits of what is set to become Reservoir's biggest apartment development at 830 Plenty Road.

8-12 Punt Road, which is also referred to as One St Kilda Junction first <a href="/news/st-kilda-junction-subject-to-its-biggest-development-yet">appeared on Urban.com.au during February</a>, with subsequent planning movements landing the Plus Architecture-designed tower at VCAT.

For its part, City of Port Phillip's <a href="https://jaagstkilda.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/cpp-punt-8-12-1227-2015-delegate-report.pdf">report for VCAT</a> determined that it had made the decision to refuse the application based upon the development unreasonably impacting the amenity of the immediate and wider neighbourhood. This can be read as an overdevelopment of the subject site.

In response, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2016/1396">VCAT's decision</a> was to approve the project which consists of a main 26 level tower, with a smaller 10 level extension to its east. In total 203 apartments will be serviced by 397 car spaces across seven basement levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image1_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One St Kilda Junction. Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_5.jpg?itok=gjbqshaE" title="One St Kilda Junction. Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One St Kilda Junction. Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>On the opposite side of town, 830 Plenty Road was issued a permit yesterday for an expansive multi-building apartment development. Dubbed <a href="http://www.architeria.com.au/reservoir-reflection-star-island">Star Island</a> and conceived by Architeria Architects, final numbers for the project will see 338 apartments and townhouses, in addition to commercial and retail spaces.

Submitted for approval during June of 2015, 830 Plenty Road had been subject to numerous proposals prior to the current iteration headed by Architeria Architects.

Three separate apartment buildings will front Plenty Road, with a fourth building and 17 townhouses nested in behind.

The expansive 10,194sqm site coupled with its elevated position and low-rise surrounds allows Star Island to hold a very pronounced position along one of Melbourne's major northern transport corridors.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1507_reservoir_front_architeria_architects_email_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Star Island. Image: Architeria Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1507_reservoir_front_architeria_architects_email_1.jpg?itok=eGjljuLS" title="Star Island. Image: Architeria Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Star Island. Image: Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure>
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Two major residential projects receive approval

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Monash University's Clayton Campus has had cause to become a regular on Apartments.com.au owing to the volume of new buildings delivered across the sprawling campus over the past five years, and the calibre of design associated with these recent additions.

The latest addition was revealed yesterday with $45 million seeded to create a new performance centre. Dubbed the The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, major funding contributions for the project will see $5 million from The Ian Potter Foundation and $10 million from the Victorian Government.

Included within the project is a revamped 586-seat Alexander Theatre, a 130-seat Sound Gallery, 200-seat Jazz Club and extensive surrounding landscaping. The Jazz Club will be a multipurpose facility, acting as a cafe during daytime hours.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image72_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cafe by day, club by night. Image: Monash University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="298" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_1.jpg?itok=Nnf7VOGb" title="Cafe by day, club by night. Image: Monash University" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cafe by day, club by night. Image: Monash University</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The investment by the Victorian Government aids in transforming the Alexander Theatre into a versatile and truly contemporary performance space, strengthening its historical and cultural significance in the Greater Melbourne region. The Ian Potter Foundation has shown us such extraordinary support, not just for our current and ongoing projects, but for our vision and has allowed us to pursue our ambition with our new performing arts precinct.

The Minister for Training and Skills the Hon Steve Herbert MLC said the redevelopment will ensure the campus will remain an exciting community destination for arts and cultural activity in Melbourne’s south-east. This redevelopment isn’t just a win for the staff and students of Monash University; it’s a win for the local community who will also have access to the state-of-the-art facilities.
<cite>Professor Margaret Gardner AO, President and Vice-Chancellor, Monash University</cite>
</blockquote>

The project is the work of Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design, and continues Monash University's path toward improved design and greater campus diversification. According to the institution, 600,000 non-student visitors utilised the University's facilities last year.

Slated to open during early 2018, The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts joins a number of current and recently completed projects across the Clayton campus. Peter Elliott Architecture is also behind the redesign of <a href="http://peterelliott.com.au/projects/urban-design/the-forum">The Forum</a> which runs through the heart of the campus, while John Wardle Architects have created <a href="http://www.johnwardlearchitects.com/projects/project/96-learning-teaching-building">The Learning &amp; Teaching Building</a>, which is currently under construction and abuts the new performing arts centre.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image71_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Learning &amp; Teaching Building. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_3.jpg?itok=C7S26Mt4" title="The Learning &amp; Teaching Building. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Learning &amp; Teaching Building. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>Designated as the new gateway to the University, The Learning &amp; Teaching Building will host a number of faculties and act as the University's main teaching facility.

<blockquote>
The Learning &amp; Teaching Building demonstrates a shift away from the modernist stand-alone tower, instead incorporating a horizontal field of spaces set within a broad, low rise building. The learning activities of the interior are, in this way, made visible and accessible to the wider campus and community, rather than removed from the ground in a vertical structure.

Streets, courtyards, bridges, balconies and stairs are transformed into ravines, clearings, strands, perches, escarpments and amphitheatres that are choreographed to invent a new landscape of the interior.
<cite>John Wardle Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Over recent years, Apartments.com.au has had cause to highlight the impressive and diverse architecture on show at Monash University Clayton. <a href="/news/a-lyons-masterclass">New Horizons</a> began the ball rolling, and was followed by the <a href="/news/green-chemical-futures-another-lyons-marvel">Green Chemical Futures Building</a>. Thereafter <a href="/news/monash-clayton-continues-to-evolve-with-another-new-construction-program">multiple student accommodation buildings</a> were built, effectively remodelling a large section of the campus and creating a new urban walk in the process.

The latter follow on from the BVN Architecture-designed Briggs &amp; Jackomos student housing halls which collected multiple awards, both locally and internationally.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image79_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Assorted recent additions to Monash University Clayton "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_2.jpg?itok=PqiOHFav" title="Assorted recent additions to Monash University Clayton " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Assorted recent additions to Monash University Clayton</figcaption></figure>
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Monash University delivers again with a new design showpiece

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City of Melbourne (CoM) have ramped up their push to create additional public open space in two key locations. Announcements were made last week regarding a significant stretch of Southbank and Carlton's University Square.

Both intended developments are now available for viewing and comment via <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/">Participate Melbourne</a>, Council's online platform which allows the community to better understand and contribute to the decisions that shape the inner city.

First up, Southbank's dearth of ground level cohesion and activation will in part be addressed with CoM releasing further information and initial plans regarding the intended transformation of Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street, with the aim of creating a swathe of open space. This will be achieved by shifting traffic patterns and partially closing Southbank Boulevard.

As a result, 2.5 hectares of public open space is set to be created along the southern side of Southbank Boulevard, starting from the Melbourne Recital Centre and continuing to the banks of the Yarra River.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank is set for major change at ground level. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_10.jpg?itok=fbYeVJWE" title="Southbank is set for major change at ground level. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank is set for major change at ground level. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Lawn areas, new trees, children's play spaces, improved pedestrian connectivity and at least one kilometre of new bike lanes are slated as part of the $16 million overhaul, with traffic still accepted along Southbank Boulevard. Dodds Street is also earmarked to become a public space as part of the development, with the aim of creating performing and events spaces.

<blockquote>
We know that backyards in the inner city are shrinking and more people are living in apartment blocks. In Southbank, 96 per cent of residents live in high-rise apartments with little access to outdoor space.

Our plan to transform the boulevard will ensure that nearby residents and workers are able to enjoy more open spaces for recreation, to meet each other and for public gatherings and relaxation.
<cite>Arron Wood, Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Environment Portfolio</cite>
</blockquote>

With works intended to begin during 2017, feedback for the proposal can now be given via the project's <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard#overview">Participate Melbourne webpage</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/university-square-overall-concept.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/university-square-overall-concept.jpg?itok=q-KNCCs-" title="A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>North of the CBD and University Square fronting Pelham Street and Grattan Street is set for change with CoM releasing details of a draft master plan for the overhaul as seen above.

In conjunction with the State Government and University of Melbourne, the square will be transformed with a decidedly more green slant. Expected in the redevelopment of University Square are 253 additional trees, 8,700sqm of expanded public open space, a water terrace, biodiversity corridor and public art installations.

All three parties have agreed to jointly fund the project which will also service the new Parkville rail station upon its completion. During previous community engagement sessions, the vast majority of respondents nominated closing Barry Street and narrowing Leicester Street in order to increase open space by up to 40 per cent.

<blockquote>
With an average age of 25, Carlton has the highest student population in Melbourne. The expanded square will provide more spaces to cater for residents, students and visitors. This includes offering more active spaces with barbecues, solar-powered charging stations, Wi-Fi, permanent chess boards and movable seats.
<cite>Arron Wood, Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Environment Portfolio</cite>
</blockquote>

University Square's <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/universitysquare">full master plan</a> will be available on Participate Melbourne from today.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/university-square-plaza.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/university-square-plaza.jpg?itok=BHsL71Fo" title="A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>
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CoM's open space agenda receives a boost with plans unveiled for two projects

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It seems a little counter-intuitive that in an apartment market coming off its peak, there's still scope for locations around Melbourne to be shaping as apartment hot spots.

Malvern Road is such an example; while the majority of projects are quite small relative to those of the CBD and surrounds, they do shape as the right stock for current market preferences which have drifted toward larger suburban dwellings.

Focusing on Malvern and Glen Iris, the number of Malvern Road apartment projects in the Apartments.com.au Project Database weighs in at 22. Added to these are a healthy number of projects queued, and which have yet to enter the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/15_images2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bonview is one of the few existing apartment projects. Image: Balmain &amp; Co"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/15_images2.jpg?itok=-7Kcr2Pp" title="Bonview is one of the few existing apartment projects. Image: Balmain &amp; Co" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bonview is one of the few existing apartment projects. Image: Balmain &amp; Co</figcaption></figure>With a limited number of apartment projects completed along this stretch of Malvern Road, the pending surge of projects set to call the thoroughfare home could well push future apartment stock in the area beyond 550 dwellings.

Typically spanning 3-5 levels, these Malvern Road apartment projects are defined by larger internal apartment sizes which are on average supported by a proportionately larger number of car spaces. This is very much a reflection of the type of purchaser developers are chasing, and a reflection of the suburbs in question.

What also bolsters Malvern Road's emergence as an apartment hot spot is that very few of the 22 projects at the foot of the article have yet to reach construction.

Grace at 1555-1559 Malvern Road is all but complete, with Vivid on Malvern also well into its construction schedule. Backing these projects up are Abby Apartments, The Henderson and Turner Residences which are at sales.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/v16021_1hero_b_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Henderson is symptomatic of Malvern Road apartment projects. Image: thehendersongleniris.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v16021_1hero_b_0.jpg?itok=eiyuLg3S" title="The Henderson is symptomatic of Malvern Road apartment projects. Image: thehendersongleniris.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Henderson is symptomatic of Malvern Road apartment projects. Image: thehendersongleniris.com.au</figcaption></figure>That leaves the bulk of projects along Malvern Road at either planning assessment or approval. Falling within City of Stonnington's borders, the planning process for a number of projects has been lengthy.

Two of the more recent projects to gain approval are 1437-1441 Malvern Road and 1795 Malvern Road, both of which are located in Glen Iris. After an initial failure to determine, Stonnington issued a permit for 1437-1441 Malvern Road on the 29th of August. Spanning six levels when submitted for approval, the Ascui &amp; Co-designed project is one of the larger projects to filter through in the area.

1795 Malvern Road which gained approval during September is more a typical Malvern Road development; three levels with 20 apartments in tow.

The remaining projects are generally at planning, leaving Malvern Road with a strong development pipeline and a claim to being an up and coming apartment hot spot.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image24_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1437-1441 Malvern Road, Glen Iris. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24_7.jpg?itok=gvuW-lrN" title="1437-1441 Malvern Road, Glen Iris. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1437-1441 Malvern Road, Glen Iris. Planning image: Ascui &amp; Co</figcaption></figure>
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Malvern Road emerges as another apartment hot spot

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The development team behind one of Melbourne's most recent commercial tower applications has had right of reply to City of Melbourne's varied concerns regarding their proposal located at 267-271 Spring Street.

Property fund manager and developer ISPT has Australian Unity pencilled in as the prospective project's tenant, with John Wardle Architects handed the task of creating the modern edifice above the current low-rise heritage buildings onsite. Post the project's submission during June of this year, City of Melbourne have raised concerns regarding a variety of aspects relating to the development.

Last week Urbis responded on behalf of the development team.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image41_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The project's Little Lonsdale Street perspective. Planning image: Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_6.jpg?itok=VRIBT64d" title="The project's Little Lonsdale Street perspective. Planning image: Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The project's revised Little Lonsdale Street perspective. Planning image: Urbis</figcaption></figure>Many of City of Melbourne's concerns focus on the project's impact upon the heritage buildings in the immediate area, along with the appropriateness of the tower's form. The concerns in many ways mirror the stance taken by Melbourne Heritage Action, which considers the proposal to be <a href="https://melbourneheritage.org.au/2016/07/01/call-for-action-objection-to-facadism-of-elms-famil-hotel-and-demolition-of-surrounding-heritage/">demonstrative to the heritage precint's overall existing character</a>.

<blockquote>
Not only will the proposed office block involve the facadism of the 1925 Elms Family Hotel, it will dominate other heritage buildings on the site, like the 1913 Mission Hall, and the cottage on Casselden Place behind. It will also destroy some of the last remnants of the famous (infamous!) ‘Little Lon’ district, including the last section of Griffin Lane, and two small-scale 1920s red brick buildings that do not have individual heritage protection.

Melbourne Heritage Action believes that the precinct as a whole, from the Mission in Spring Street down to Oddfellows Hotel, is one that should obviously have been made a Heritage Precinct many years ago. This group of buildings not only creates an area and streetscape that hasn’t changed since the 1920s, but is the largest intact remnant of the notorious ‘Little Lon’ area.

<cite>Melbourne Heritage Action</cite>
</blockquote>

As of last week 38 objectors had taken their concerns to Council.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image46_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tower's exterior. Planning image: John Wardle architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="629" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_6.jpg?itok=DtA-1m6M" title="The tower's exterior. Planning image: John Wardle architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tower's exterior. Planning image: John Wardle architects</figcaption></figure><a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/property-information/planning-building-registers/Pages/town-planning-permits-register-search-results.aspx?appid=257302">Urbis' response</a> acknowledges the concerns raised by the objectors, while also asking Council to consider the "balance of objectives sought by the planning scheme and the extended consultation process conducted between the proponent and Council." Further to this Urbis point out that 267-271 Spring Street with Australian Unity in tow would be a boost to the CBD's economic success, given very few permitted commercial developments have proceeded to construction within the CBD during recent years.

For the most, the development team's response justifies the design ethos and outcome of the originally submitted scheme. Essentially Urbis' response adds further weight to the development team's stance, rather than making wholesale changes to the tower's design.

Concerns regarding heritage issues, setbacks to Spring Street and Littler Lonsdale Street, the project's perceived community benefit (or lack of), overshadowing and overlooking have all been addressed by Urbis. Following consultation with Melbourne Heritage Action and other vested parties, the only discernible changes to the proposal have been to retain the internal rear and side walls of the Elms Hotel and a change to the podium treatments to Little Lonsdale by way of additional glazing.

Beyond the above machinations, 267-271 Spring Street's fate lies in the hands of City of Melbourne, with a final approval decision likely to be some months away.
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Key sticking points hammered out as ISPT seeks approval for its Spring Street tower

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Another Fishermans Bend proposal has broken cover, taking Hayball as the architecture firm responsible past a noteworthy milestone. With the addition of 272-280 Normanby Road, Southbank-based Hayball now has in excess of 3,000 apartments in play across Fishermans Bend.

Referencing the Apartments.com.au Project Database, 272-280 Normanby Road's 396 apartments takes Hayball's total apartment numbers for submitted projects within Fishermans Bend to 3,229. In the process Hayball have made a stretch of Normanby Road their own, with seven separate residential towers at planning maintaining a Normanby Road address.

Proponent 280 Normanby Road Pty Ltd is behind the latest proposal which at 40 levels would peak at the maximum floor limit, as per the interim mandatory height limits in place. Currently housing a dual level commercial building, the repurposed site would see the new 126m tower rise in its place.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/272-280.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="272-280 Normanby Road. Image: proUrban"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="661" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/272-280.jpg?itok=b8mU3Ueh" title="272-280 Normanby Road. Image: proUrban" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>272-280 Normanby Road. Image: proUrban</figcaption></figure>Of the 396 apartments within 272-280 Normanby Road, 156 have been designated as single bedroom dwellings, 201 hold two bedrooms and 39 or 10% of the total number of apartments maintain three bedrooms.

An affordable housing element exists within the proposal, with two single bedroom apartments to be transferred to a specified housing trust while a further three single bedroom apartments are set to be leased for 20 years at 75% of market rental value, with management of these dwellings apportioned to the housing trust.

A 342sqm space is allocated within the tower's podium as a public community facility area. This is supported by multiple commercial and retail tenancies, with 736sqm allocated to commercial and 530sqm retail respectively. 124 car spaces and 204 bicycle bays are also part of the proposal.

Externally the tower will be dominated by pewter coloured precast concrete, charcoal and grey coloured panel-rib metal and aluminium cladding, pewter coloured glass, glass balustrades and grey coloured double glazing.

Lodged with DELWP during May, the proposal has been referred to City of Port Phillip (CoPP) for comment. As has almost become the norm, CoPP have indicated they are against the development, citing issues such as tower height, tower setbacks from street and side boundaries, tower separation between neighbouring properties, justification for tower seeking the maximum allowable height, cumulative wind and traffic impacts and the proposal's overall community benefit aspects as being sticking points.

Nonetheless <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Report_5_-_272-280_Normanby_Road.pdf">CoPP in their report on 272-280 Normanby Road</a> have also included various draft conditions that they believe would improve the proposal.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image52_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Assorted Hayball-designed projects within Fishermans Bend"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_3.jpg?itok=7FxQYeCX" title="Assorted Hayball-designed projects within Fishermans Bend" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Assorted Hayball-designed projects within Fishermans Bend</figcaption></figure>As touched upon earlier, Hayball leads the way within Fishermans Bend in terms of the number of apartments under design for projects that are public knowledge. Its nine projects and 3,229 apartments shadow the work of ROTHELOWMAN which currently have six apartment projects and in excess of 2,000 apartments within the urban renewal area.

By far Hayball's largest project in Fishermans Bend is 850-858 Lorimer Street within Port Melbourne. One of the early batch of applications for the area, the reworked tri-towered scheme's most recent iteration carries in excess of 1,100 apartments for developer Goodman Group.

Other design firms also prevalent in the Urban Renewal Area include Elenberg Fraser, Artisan Architects and CHT Architects. To date 17 different architecture firms are represented across a gamut of residential projects within Fishermans Bend.
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272-280 Normanby adds to Hayball's dominant Fishermans Bend portfolio

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Three years after its completion, 171 Collins Street has achieved a milestone by becoming the first building in Victoria to notch a 6 Star NABERS Energy rating. In doing so it becomes only the second commercial office buildings in Australia to gain the rating.

Jointly owned by Cbus Property and Charter Hall, 171 Collins Street's gong is in line with the objectives of City of Melbourne's concerted sustainable building push which in part encourages developers, building owners and facility managers to constructing or retrofit their buildings in order to become as efficient as possible.

Built by Brookfield Multiplex, 171 Collins Street is the design work of Bates Smart with engineering by Umow Lai. In taking the 6 Star NABERS Energy rating, the commercial tower achieved its target of emitting 50% less greenhouse gases than a building with a 5 Star rating; a 5 star rating was long considered the benchmark for contemporary sustainable office buildings.

<h2>Sustainability features</h2>

<ul>
<li>9 storey glass atrium that maximises natural light</li>
	<li>Floor to ceiling double glazing with thermal insulation to help maintain occupant comfort</li>
	<li>High-performance ceramic fritted glass façade to reduce heat gain and glare</li>
	<li>Dedicated waste storage area for separation, collection and recycling</li>
	<li>Advanced rainwater and greywater reuse system</li>
	<li>Highly flexible under-floor air distribution system for superior indoor air quality</li>
	<li>Highly optimised lighting design with extensive controls for occupancy and daylight harvesting</li>
	<li>Energy-efficient fixtures and fittings</li>
	<li>Low-VOC and formaldehyde emissions</li>
	<li>Premium end-of-trip facilities with 280 bicycle spaces, showers, change rooms and lockers</li>
	<li>Destination controlled lift systems</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mayfair_exterior_ret_v3_vers_a_2500px.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="171 Collins Street from above. Image: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="772" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mayfair_exterior_ret_v3_vers_a_2500px.jpg?itok=BwFtZRbB" title="171 Collins Street from above. Image: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>171 Collins Street from above. Image: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>What these sustainability features equate to, relative to a 5 star rated building, is a real world saving of more than 1.3 million kilograms of carbon dioxide per annum, or put differently 568,000 litres of petrol or the annual energy use for 139 homes. 171 Collins Street's 6 Star NABERS Energy rating is in addition to the development being awarded a 6 Star Green Star As Built Office V2 rating by the Green Building Council of Australia. The latter was done so with a record score on the rating scale.

Additionally, 171 Collins Street features an Australian-first ceiling tile system that absorbs office pollutants and creates a healthier office environment for workers. The development also includes a greywater treatment program that collects used water from the end-of-trip facilities for reuse throughout the building’s cooling towers and toilets, allwoing for a 90% offset of the cooling towers’ water consumption.

The building's radiant cooling and heating system and an under-floor air distribution network also provides an energy efficient thermal outcome internally.

<h2>What the say</h2>

<blockquote>
171 Collins Street is a lighthouse example of how premium grade buildings can deliver architectural beauty, world leading sustainability and exceptional occupant amenities without compromise.

It is a true 21st century workplace and embodies all that we strive to achieve at Cbus Property in delivering projects that are of international architectural value and achieve exceptional environmental outcomes. This milestone caps off several years of dedication by the entire project team as well as 171 Collins Street’s tenants in delivering and maintaining a truly green and sustainable building.
<cite>Adrian Pozzo, Chief Executive Officer, Cbus Property</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are very pleased with the performance of 171 Collins Street. It is a building that continues to be recognised for its innovation in sustainability and we hope sets the benchmark for the industry into future.

It has been a terrific effort to get to where we are today and key to that has been ensuring all team members, contractors and tenant customers share our vision to create a sustainable workplace
<cite>Adrian Taylor, Head of Office, Charter Hall</cite>
</blockquote>
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171 Collins Street achieves a 6 Star Victorian first

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A fresh presence has brought a new design perspective to Fishermans Bend in the form of a planning application for 118 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne. With the majority of the development team behind the intended 18 level tower based in New South Wales, the result is a design that distinguishes itself from the majority of the pack within the fledgling Urban Renewal Area.

118 Bertie Street represents Sydney-based MAKO Architecture's first listing in the Apartments.com.au Project Database; the same can be said for Lateral Estate with the Fishermans Bend application their first project in Melbourne as developer/builder.

The conceived tower form coupled with an almost eccentric exterior allows 118 Bertie Street to sharply depart from the norm within Fishermans Bend, where many intended towers to date employ clean curtain glazed exteriors.

More pertinent to Fishermans Bend's strategic planning goals, 118 Bertie Street acknowledges the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan (April 2015) and has been designed with the Better Apartments Discussion Paper (May 2015) objectives in mind.

<h2>118 Bertie Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image42_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design and greenery combined over 118 Bertie Street's exterior. Image: MAKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_1.jpg?itok=OcX3N0pL" title="Design and greenery combined over 118 Bertie Street's exterior. Image: MAKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design and greenery combind over 118 Bertie Street's exterior. Image: MAKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged: June 2016</li>
	<li>3,031sqm site currently utilised as a warehouse</li>
	<li>Proposed 18 level tower at 67.9 metres</li>
	<li>264 apartments: 8 x studio, 115 x 1BR, 111 x 2BR, 30 x 3BR</li>
	<li>554sqm of commercial space over four tenancies</li>
	<li>191sqm of communal recreational space</li>
	<li>191 car spaces &amp; 303 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>GFA: 32,954sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated development cost: $66 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design Statement</h2>

<blockquote>
This design proposal has been conceived of as an activator for the local community and a signal of the future residential neighbourhood. The design intentionally seeks to maximise the available envelope to provide additional density and vibrancy to the public domain surrounding the proposal. The design is able to straddle the varying context of the building over time, and throughout the at present unknown context of the future open space network.

The podium is conceived of as a visually distinctive landmark in the short term context of the light industrial area. It should be a herald of the future and begin to suggest the change in use to a vibrant residential neighbourhood and address the future green linear park. The podium combines three strong elements; textural patterned mesh, varyingly proportioned active windows to the podium apartments, and large scale “green” openings screening the resident parking beyond.

The tower is a carefully modulated distinctive object appearing as a sharp black onyx piece contrasted against the sky. A subtle variation of black and bronze glazing starts to break down the monolithic quality of the broad facade and begins to give direction and movement to the composition. The tower adopts a fluidity, with the reflective qualities of dark glazing surrounding north, east, south and west frontages.
<cite>MAKO Architecture: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image23_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="118 Bertie Street's envisaged street level integration. Image: MAKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_5.jpg?itok=n6ioY9kN" title="118 Bertie Street's envisaged street level integration. Image: MAKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>118 Bertie Street's envisaged street level integration. Image: MAKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>The above image is perhaps best mirrors early concept sketches that were bandied about for Fishermans Bend during its planning infancy.

The development team have gone to great lengths to ensure the tower's podium is front and square in terms of adhering to design ideals, likening the podium to a beacon in that it was conceived as a visually distinctive landmark in the existing context of the light industrial area. Project landscape architects NBRS+Partner have established a green zone as part of the project that aligns directly with the open space network as described in the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan.

Further the Bertie Street frontage is activated at ground level by way of Soho apartments that have the ability to be used as either home offices, or retail spaces depending upon demand.

<blockquote>
The tower itself consists of the irregular placement of geometric forms to create an interesting and innovative design response. At the ground floor, the building will appear almost entirely glazed with the podium above treated with grey brickwork or a copper coloured perforated screening, used to hide the internal car park from street view.

The tower form above appears to be separated into different structural elements, breaking up the built form and softening its appearance. The tower façade is treated with dark grey and bronze tinted glazing with black, bronze and champagne coloured metal framing.
<cite>Urbis: Town Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The Port Melbourne proposal also includes 30 three bedroom dwellings, a disproportionately high number relative to many of the adjoining developments slated for Fishermans Bend.

<h2>118 Bertie Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lateral Estate</li>
	<li>Architecture: MAKO Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: NBRS+Partner</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: TTPA </li>
	<li>Waste Management: Elephants Foot</li>
	<li>Sustainable Design: ARK Resources</li>
	<li>Acoustic Engineer: Acoustic Logic</li>
	<li>BCA Consultant: McKenzie Group</li>
</ul>
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MAKO make their mark in Fishermans Bend: 118 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Mark Baljak

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